Is 50 BHP as much horsepower as you'll ever need?

Texas Pete · 08-02-2024, 12:12 PM

Bit of waffle at the start before the meat starts

ProDigit · 08-02-2024, 10:39 PM

40. 400cc is about as much as you'll need for the streets.

TominMO · 08-03-2024, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProDigit

40. 400cc is about as much as you'll need for the streets.

Agreed, 40 hp, even two up, will do fine for normal riding, even on highways.

But really the answer is individual to each person, and what they want to do with the bike.

Thumper · 08-03-2024, 09:48 AM

I agree that this is an individual choice, and experience influences the rider's perspective. I have owned more than 50 motorcycles over the years

Based on that experience, I think a bike really has to be in the 450-550 pound range to be roadworthy. And you need more power to pull this weight and assert yourself in traffic, especially around 18 wheelers. My first road bike was a 1978 GS550. These early GS bikes had marginally adequate suspension, but that 6 speed roller bearing DOHC engine was wonderful.

It made about 50hp, weighed 430 pounds. I was small enough for it to work on the highway (18 years old, maybe 120lbs), but I wised up and bought the 1979 GS850G the following year for $3160. It was a little heavier at 550 pounds, shaft driven and made about 75hp. Much more roadworthy. It was a "sport tourer" which was really a new category.

1979GS850G.jpg

https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mo...s850g%2079.htm

Looking back it was the best road bike I ever owned. Lighter than a full touring bike, more sporty, but heavy enough to buck the wind and had a smooth road feel. I had front air forks with an equalizer tube so could stiffen up the front end.

The venerable GS1000E was sitting next to it in the showroom floor for about $50 more, but I chose the 850. I was still under 130 pounds

Later in the 80s, maybe 1985 I bought a lightly used 1983 GS1100E in candy apple red. This bike was a close second to the 850. Here is a picture of it on an outing to the glide port in Edgefield, NM.

jpg300GS1100RGB.jpg

If you can only have one bike and want to be on the road and on the trails, the compromise of a 40-45hp adventure tour bike is where you'll end up. I'd rather have a true road bike, or an enduro. No compromising!

Mudflap · 08-03-2024, 06:08 AM

I'd rather ride a lighter weight 50 hp street bike than a heavier 100 HP bike. My CX and GL 500s were 50 HP and just about right. My old Goldwing was around 100 HP and although it cruised great on the highway it was like riding a 2 wheel car.

Ranger Bob · 08-03-2024, 12:50 PM

Oh man, the GS850G. Best and most reliable bike I've ever owned. Bought it for $1000 with 6000 miles on it in the mid eighties. Put a total of, ready for this, 175,000 miles on it before I gave it away. Nope, the comma is in the right place, 175,000 miles. It was leaking oil badly and the original clutch was slipping but it kept on running. Did a round trip ride from Florida to California when it had over 100,000 miles on it. Never missed a lick but the 750 mile day in the desert started the oil leaks from the top end. My only transportation for over 6 years. Love to find another low mileage one for a good price.

lance222 · 08-09-2024, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger Bob

Oh man, the GS850G. Best and most reliable bike I've ever owned. Bought it for $1000 with 6000 miles on it in the mid eighties. Put a total of, ready for this, 175,000 miles on it before I gave it away. Nope, the comma is in the right place, 175,000 miles. It was leaking oil badly and the original clutch was slipping but it kept on running. Did a round trip ride from Florida to California when it had over 100,000 miles on it. Never missed a lick but the 750 mile day in the desert started the oil leaks from the top end. My only transportation for over 6 years. Love to find another low mileage one for a good price.

That's insane! You must've babied that GS850G to get that kind of life out of it. I'm impressed it still ran strong despite the oil leaks and clutch issues. You must have some amazing memories from that bike. Hope you find another one that can live up to your old girl!

Sport Rider · 08-05-2024, 11:15 AM

in Europe, I suspect it's somewhat true with regard to needed HP, but here in the US, our high speed roads necessitate larger bikes with larger HP to be comfortable as a rider (to me). I'm not going to routinely take a 500cc bike out on the interstates to do my daily 50 mile commute to work and home. it's not comfortable (to me) and I don't want to wring out a bike that hard to maintain 70-75 with spare HP to "get out of the way" when needed. to me, the sweet spot is about a 750. size is sufficient and HP good. Of course, I would not have done my cross country trip on anything less than the GW.

Texas Pete · 08-05-2024, 08:58 PM

I agree, the video is by an ex UK leo. He strongly thinks that a 20HP motorcycle can safely ride at the high Texas freeway speeds and that anyone who thinks otherwise has a psychological problem because the motorcycle is fully capable and it’s the riders fault for not riding it on Texas freeways.

ProDigit · 08-07-2024, 11:07 PM

I wished China would learn alloys.
If they did, they would be able to shave between 50 to 75lbs off their bikes.
I really enjoy the weight of my Vader 150, only being <260lbs wet.
My ~303lbs wet Lifan X-pect is at the top of what I can physically lift (rear side) for maneuvering.

I wished a 400cc can be sub 300 lbs.

I feel a bike doesn't need to be 400+ lbs to be "highway safe".
I feel safer with a 250lbs bike than with a 550lbs bike.

TominMO · 08-08-2024, 09:08 AM

China doesn't do alloy frames because their main market is in the Third World. Cheap is the name of the game. The US market is pretty much just a sideline for them.

scorpionking674 · 08-09-2024, 12:33 PM

That's an incredible story, Ranger Bob! 175,000 miles is a testament to the bike's durability and your dedication to keeping it running. I'm sure it was a tough decision to give it away, but I'm glad you have those amazing memories to look back on. Good luck in your search for another low-mileage GS850G!

Ranger Bob · 08-11-2024, 11:54 AM

The GS850 had a reputation for being bullet proof, that's why I bought it when it popped up in the local paper. Never babied it but I was polite to it. I see many Youtube videos of people cracking the throttle on and off and generally thrashing their bikes. Watch road racers. They roll the throttle on and off. Being smooth makes engines last longer. Had a Kawasaki Concours I put 90,000 on. Still running strong at that point. I now have a 650 V-Strom that friends also have. One has over 150,000 miles, another has over 125,000 miles and one more with 80,000 miles. They have never had any issues with these bikes, all still running fine. This gets me back to the original post. If you want a bike to run at freeway speeds, buy a bike designed to to so. 50HP is plenty but my V-Strom has about 75HP on a relatively small bike. Plenty of power to ride it anywhere without running it hard.

Christopher1019 · 09-06-2024, 06:56 AM

50 horsepower is plenty for everyday rides, unless you’re planning on racing or something. for normal use, it’s more than enough, even with some to spare. what matters more is how it handles, not just the power

Christopher

XLsior · 09-06-2024, 10:52 AM

Depends on power to weight.

Also depends on the road laws and regulations. The UK is a small country with some of the most stringent legalities of any country. Average Vehicle being a Euro spec small compact car.

Motorcycle licensing in the UK is 4 tier i believe with learners restricted to 125cc

Australia has a top highway speed of 120kmph with most being 100kmph. Our average vehicle on the road is a large SUV.

Australian has a 2 tier motorcycle license system with the basic cut off point being 650cc or less considered RE/beginner/Learner class. Any higher capacity or deemed greater power to weight requires more rider training and testing.

I'm sure 50hp is enough. I'm hoping to upgrade from 15hp to 45hp in about half a year as under 20hp is not enough to safely do highway pace for any period of time for me personally.

I'd rather enjoy riding a slow vehicle fast then be forced to ride/drive a fast vehicle slow...

08-02-2024, 12:12 PM	#1
Texas Pete Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Dallas TX Posts: 612	Is 50 BHP as much horsepower as you'll ever need? Bit of waffle at the start before the meat starts __________________ 2022 1/2 Templar X 250 - 6 gear model - 13 Front / 40 Rear Sprockets - #42 / #120 Jets - 1mm thick nitrile O-ring needle shim (removed) - Kenda K761 Dual Sport Tires - Sedona Standard Thickness Inner Tubes - Stock OEM battery, carburetor, spark plug still going strong - https://youtu.be/dhAYEKH-jFQ Texas Pete's Templar X 250 Torque Specifications Sheet Texas Pete's Engine Displacement Calculator Texas Pete's Tire and Rim Compatibility
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08-02-2024, 10:39 PM	#2
ProDigit Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: FL Posts: 376	40. 400cc is about as much as you'll need for the streets. __________________
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08-03-2024, 09:48 AM	#4
Thumper Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Kansas City Posts: 2,765	I agree that this is an individual choice, and experience influences the rider's perspective. I have owned more than 50 motorcycles over the years Based on that experience, I think a bike really has to be in the 450-550 pound range to be roadworthy. And you need more power to pull this weight and assert yourself in traffic, especially around 18 wheelers. My first road bike was a 1978 GS550. These early GS bikes had marginally adequate suspension, but that 6 speed roller bearing DOHC engine was wonderful. It made about 50hp, weighed 430 pounds. I was small enough for it to work on the highway (18 years old, maybe 120lbs), but I wised up and bought the 1979 GS850G the following year for $3160. It was a little heavier at 550 pounds, shaft driven and made about 75hp. Much more roadworthy. It was a "sport tourer" which was really a new category. 1979GS850G.jpg https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mo...s850g%2079.htm Looking back it was the best road bike I ever owned. Lighter than a full touring bike, more sporty, but heavy enough to buck the wind and had a smooth road feel. I had front air forks with an equalizer tube so could stiffen up the front end. The venerable GS1000E was sitting next to it in the showroom floor for about $50 more, but I chose the 850. I was still under 130 pounds Later in the 80s, maybe 1985 I bought a lightly used 1983 GS1100E in candy apple red. This bike was a close second to the 850. Here is a picture of it on an outing to the glide port in Edgefield, NM. jpg300GS1100RGB.jpg If you can only have one bike and want to be on the road and on the trails, the compromise of a 40-45hp adventure tour bike is where you'll end up. I'd rather have a true road bike, or an enduro. No compromising! __________________ No matter where you go, there you are Last edited by Thumper; 08-03-2024 at 11:11 AM.
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08-05-2024, 11:15 AM	#8
Sport Rider Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Mooresville NC Posts: 2,116	in Europe, I suspect it's somewhat true with regard to needed HP, but here in the US, our high speed roads necessitate larger bikes with larger HP to be comfortable as a rider (to me). I'm not going to routinely take a 500cc bike out on the interstates to do my daily 50 mile commute to work and home. it's not comfortable (to me) and I don't want to wring out a bike that hard to maintain 70-75 with spare HP to "get out of the way" when needed. to me, the sweet spot is about a 750. size is sufficient and HP good. Of course, I would not have done my cross country trip on anything less than the GW. __________________ Dave Bikes I've owned: Suzuki GS450T, Yamaha XS500, Honda V45 Sabre, Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic (2), Suzuki VX800, Kawasaki Ninja 650, Triumph TT600, Honda Superhawk, Kawasaki Concours 1000 (3, including a sidecar rig), Buell XB9R, Kawasaki Nomad 1500, Concours 14, Honda Goldwing (2), Housen Hawk, Suzuki Intruder 1400, Kawasaki KLR650, Victory V92TC.
	1

08-05-2024, 08:58 PM	#9
Texas Pete Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Dallas TX Posts: 612	I agree, the video is by an ex UK leo. He strongly thinks that a 20HP motorcycle can safely ride at the high Texas freeway speeds and that anyone who thinks otherwise has a psychological problem because the motorcycle is fully capable and it’s the riders fault for not riding it on Texas freeways. __________________ 2022 1/2 Templar X 250 - 6 gear model - 13 Front / 40 Rear Sprockets - #42 / #120 Jets - 1mm thick nitrile O-ring needle shim (removed) - Kenda K761 Dual Sport Tires - Sedona Standard Thickness Inner Tubes - Stock OEM battery, carburetor, spark plug still going strong - https://youtu.be/dhAYEKH-jFQ Texas Pete's Templar X 250 Torque Specifications Sheet Texas Pete's Engine Displacement Calculator Texas Pete's Tire and Rim Compatibility
	1

08-03-2024, 06:08 AM	#5
Mudflap Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 1,930	I'd rather ride a lighter weight 50 hp street bike than a heavier 100 HP bike. My CX and GL 500s were 50 HP and just about right. My old Goldwing was around 100 HP and although it cruised great on the highway it was like riding a 2 wheel car.
	2

08-03-2024, 12:50 PM	#6
Ranger Bob Join Date: Aug 2023 Location: Florida/N.Carolina Posts: 15	Oh man, the GS850G. Best and most reliable bike I've ever owned. Bought it for $1000 with 6000 miles on it in the mid eighties. Put a total of, ready for this, 175,000 miles on it before I gave it away. Nope, the comma is in the right place, 175,000 miles. It was leaking oil badly and the original clutch was slipping but it kept on running. Did a round trip ride from Florida to California when it had over 100,000 miles on it. Never missed a lick but the 750 mile day in the desert started the oil leaks from the top end. My only transportation for over 6 years. Love to find another low mileage one for a good price.
	4

08-07-2024, 11:07 PM	#10
ProDigit Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: FL Posts: 376	I wished China would learn alloys. If they did, they would be able to shave between 50 to 75lbs off their bikes. I really enjoy the weight of my Vader 150, only being <260lbs wet. My ~303lbs wet Lifan X-pect is at the top of what I can physically lift (rear side) for maneuvering. I wished a 400cc can be sub 300 lbs. I feel a bike doesn't need to be 400+ lbs to be "highway safe". I feel safer with a 250lbs bike than with a 550lbs bike. __________________
	1

08-08-2024, 09:08 AM	#11
TominMO Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: De Soto, MO Posts: 1,978	China doesn't do alloy frames because their main market is in the Third World. Cheap is the name of the game. The US market is pretty much just a sideline for them. __________________ 2021 Lifan Xpect--sold 2022 Lifan KPX 1972 Honda CT90--The Carrot 1969 Honda CT90--The Tomahto Cheesy is the WDK (workplace drama king). Now retired. Nope, back in the saddle. Nope, finally retired. Climate: The Movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A24fWmNA6lM How our government really works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjadCd0VRBw Question all authority.....think for yourself
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08-09-2024, 12:33 PM	#12
scorpionking674 Join Date: Feb 2020 Posts: 9	That's an incredible story, Ranger Bob! 175,000 miles is a testament to the bike's durability and your dedication to keeping it running. I'm sure it was a tough decision to give it away, but I'm glad you have those amazing memories to look back on. Good luck in your search for another low-mileage GS850G!
	1

08-11-2024, 11:54 AM	#13
Ranger Bob Join Date: Aug 2023 Location: Florida/N.Carolina Posts: 15	The GS850 had a reputation for being bullet proof, that's why I bought it when it popped up in the local paper. Never babied it but I was polite to it. I see many Youtube videos of people cracking the throttle on and off and generally thrashing their bikes. Watch road racers. They roll the throttle on and off. Being smooth makes engines last longer. Had a Kawasaki Concours I put 90,000 on. Still running strong at that point. I now have a 650 V-Strom that friends also have. One has over 150,000 miles, another has over 125,000 miles and one more with 80,000 miles. They have never had any issues with these bikes, all still running fine. This gets me back to the original post. If you want a bike to run at freeway speeds, buy a bike designed to to so. 50HP is plenty but my V-Strom has about 75HP on a relatively small bike. Plenty of power to ride it anywhere without running it hard.
	0

09-06-2024, 06:56 AM	#14
Christopher1019 Join Date: Sep 2024 Posts: 2	50 horsepower 50 horsepower is plenty for everyday rides, unless you’re planning on racing or something. for normal use, it’s more than enough, even with some to spare. what matters more is how it handles, not just the power Christopher
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09-06-2024, 10:52 AM	#15
XLsior Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Australia Posts: 1,453	Depends on power to weight. Also depends on the road laws and regulations. The UK is a small country with some of the most stringent legalities of any country. Average Vehicle being a Euro spec small compact car. Motorcycle licensing in the UK is 4 tier i believe with learners restricted to 125cc Australia has a top highway speed of 120kmph with most being 100kmph. Our average vehicle on the road is a large SUV. Australian has a 2 tier motorcycle license system with the basic cut off point being 650cc or less considered RE/beginner/Learner class. Any higher capacity or deemed greater power to weight requires more rider training and testing. I'm sure 50hp is enough. I'm hoping to upgrade from 15hp to 45hp in about half a year as under 20hp is not enough to safely do highway pace for any period of time for me personally. I'd rather enjoy riding a slow vehicle fast then be forced to ride/drive a fast vehicle slow...
	0